Baby, it’s cold outside. Well, at least for a few weeks a year when Hotlanta turns into Hothlanta, aka a frozen tundra. Exposure to the elements is much higher when you're riding public transportation with walking outdoors and waiting on trains and buses. As any seasoned rider will tell you, dressing for the elements is key, but there are some other hacks that can help heat you up while on the go.

See these five tips to stay warm to keep your commute smart and not full of shivers.

Bundle UpPhoto by Jordan Colley/Flickr.com

Bundle Up

To start with the most obvious, don’t be shy with hats, gloves, scarves and layers. As much as no one wants or expects train or bus delays, they do happen, and you don’t want to be waiting outside for long without enough winter-weather gear. If you need some supplies, there is a CVS above the Five Points and Peachtree Center stations. And Lenox Mall is just across the street from the Lenox MARTA station.

Warm up with a hot drink

Drinking hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate can help stave off the cold-weather chill. There are a few restaurants and coffee shops near MARTA, including Sip, which can’t get much closer to the Lindbergh Center MARTA station. Other picks are Starbucks (Peachtree Center), Waffle House (Georgia State and Brookhaven) and Java Monkey (Decatur).

Hang out in heated placesNick Gray

Hang out in heated places

If you have extra time on your hands, head to a heated public space to stay warm. The CNN building has a large food court next to the Dome Station (pictured here). Directly connected to the Peachtree Center and North Avenue stations you'll also find malls. And if Snow Jam or Snow Apocalypse happens again and you get stuck on the road, find a hotel near MARTA.

Rethink your commute when the weather turns cold

If possible, try to change your commute to reduce your time outdoors. Can you ask a friend or family member for a ride for part of your trip? Use ZipCar or Uber? Hold off errands that require a longer commute? If waiting for transit is a necessity, be sure to look for sheltered areas to stay out of the wind.

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Sara Cheshire lived six years in Atlanta without a car and likes to ease commuting pain and show that transit can work. See martaguide.com for additional tips and directions or email her at saracheshire(at)gmail.com.